Maersk attempts to simplify surcharge structure

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Maersk Line said Tuesday it plans to simplify the structure of its surcharges from the start of 2013.
The liner carrier said it will “carry out a phased approach to simplify its surcharge structure, making it easier for all parties to deal with quotes, contracts and invoices. The final surcharge structure, which we expect to achieve by mid-2013, will have fewer and more transparent charges and help us better define the agreed service level. This initiative is not about adding cost, but making the cost of a container shipment easier to understand and evaluate.”
Phase 1 of the simplification begins Jan. 1, and will be included in new or renewed contracts from Jan. 1 or later. In the first phase, any cargo declaration fee (CDD), cargo declaration fee export (EDD), Panama transit fee (PCC), river toll charge (RPS), carrier security charge (SER), Suez transit fee (STT), and currency adjustment factor (CAF) will be rolled into basic ocean freight.
In the second phase, Maersk will attempt to clarify what it called “the complex landscape of local surcharges.”
“We will maintain a broad catalog of optional, value-adding services, while other charges will be combined into a single service charge for origin and destination respectively, local regulations permitting,” the line said. “Our customers have requested fewer and more transparent surcharges and we are taking these actions in response.” - Eric Johnson